INDEPENDENT
Fall Edition 2015
We Are Here...in the Workforce!
This month, UCPLA is participating in National Disability
Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual
awareness campaign that takes place each October.
The purpose of NDEAM is to provide awareness about
disability employment issues and celebrate the many
and varied contributions of America’s workers with
disabilities. The theme of this year’s NDEAM is “My
Disability Is One Part of Who I Am”.
Congress expanded the week to a month and changed
the name to National Disability Employment Awareness
Month.
“This year’s theme encapsulates the important message
that people with disabilities are just that — people,” said
Jennifer Sheehy, acting assistant secretary of labor for
disability employment policy. “And like all people, we are
the sum of many parts, including our work experiences.
The origins of NDEAM trace back to 1945, also the Disability is an important perspective we bring to the
year UCPLA was founded, when Congress enacted a table, but, of course, it’s not the only one.”
law declaring that the first week in October each year
UCPLA is proud to be a part of this year’s National
was to be “National Employ the Physically Handicapped
Disability Employment Awareness Month. We want to
Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to
spread the important message that we value diverse
acknowledge the employment needs and contributions
perspectives, including those of individuals with
of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988,
disabilities.
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month we highlight some
members of the UCPLA community who are finding inclusion and success in the workforce!
Clockwise: DJ of Ability Chris Benedict,
Musician & UCPLA Board member
Brandon Mendenhall, Chatsworth
campus staff member Robert
Olshefski, Whole Foods Courtesy Clerk
& Special Olympics Global Messenger
Will Montgomery, UCPLA Development
Associate Jayson King, and crossing
guard and motivational speaker
Howard McBroom.
INDEPENDENT
A Message from the President and CEO
Over the past several
months, many of
you have answered
our
Calls-to-Action
from the Lanterman
Coalition, of which
UCPLA is a part, in the
advocacy campaign
to convince California
State legislators to
create a budget that
includes a 10% acrossthe-board increase in
rates paid to disability
services providers like UCPLA. Because many of our
services have not seen a rate increase since 2008, this
advocacy has been and remains vital to our continued
operations.
Although we still have a long way to go until our legislators
make this request a reality, I want to thank you for your
engaged advocacy of the last few months. This year,
UCPLA promises to demonstrate the many ways in which
“We Are Here”: by continuing 40 programs and services
throughout five counties in Southern California that help
1100 individuals and families each day; through advocacy
that remind our legislators of the promise California made
with the Lanterman Act; and to show our clients that they
are valued members of our communities.
Over the last several months, many of you have aligned
with UCPLA and the Lanterman Coalition by stepping
up through: letters, phone calls, emails and in-person
meetings with legislators; attending rallies; and spreading
the word in social media so lawmakers can see how
vital these services are to these valued members of our
communities.
Through these actions, you have shown lawmakers that
you are here for the people UCPLA serves and that you
will support them as they seek fulfilling, meaningful lives
with UCPLA’s help. It has been an honor to watch the
way our community has gathered together to advocate
for the civil liberties and funding resources needed to
ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities
have access to the services they need and that the
organizations devoted to their care are also able to thrive.
As the Lanterman Coalition has said many times over the
past several months, this fight is a marathon rather than
a sprint, and we still have many miles to go. Throughout
this newsletter, you will find many ways to continue
making a difference in this vital fight for funding for our
services and recognition for the individuals we serve.
Your support has made a tremendous impact at the
State level and has reminded our legislators that they
have promised to provide care for individuals with
developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood.
Just as importantly, your support has reminded UCPLA’s
lifelong learners that their health, well-being and longevity
are valued. You have shown them that “We Are Here” is
not an idle phrase, but rather an active promise we intend
to keep for decades to come.
As the President and CEO of UCPLA, I intend to continue
carrying this message to our State legislators and to all
members of our community. I would be honored and
gratified to have you join me in this quest, as I have no
doubt it will enrich our communities, foster inclusion and
ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities
are able to reach their potential.
Ronald S. Cohen, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fall Edition 2015
3
Active Advocacy with UCPLA Parent Joe Kirby
When Joe Kirby, step-father of UCPLA Thousand Oaks Group
Home resident Don Geagan, attended one of UCPLA’s recent
Family Information Meetings, he was struck by the knowledge
that the state of California has not raised the rates it pays UCPLA
for many of our programs and services since 2008 – despite
dramatic and ongoing increases in the prices of high-quality
service provision.
and members of our communities, on the realities of the financial
deficit situation that UCPLA and other direct-care providers in
California find ourselves in.
Armed with this information and his many years of delivering
effective presentations, Joe Kirby is setting off to involve other
members of the community in the fight to ensure that California
keeps its Lanterman Promise. Joe hopes to present to other
As Joe learned more about UCPLA’s work to change this reality, UCPLA family members, and social and business clubs within
including our involvement in the Lanterman Coalition, a group the community, and to eventually develop an online presentation
of nonprofit service providers and Regional Centers, he began that others can download and customize for maximum reach. By
to understand the urgency of the Coalition’s requests for a 10% offering his audiences valuable information and action steps—
across-the-board increase in rates paid to service providers. such as writing letters or emails to legislators, setting up in-person
Without these much-needed increases, Joe knew that the meetings with influencers and spreading the word throughout the
programs that help individuals like his step-son Don live healthy, community—Joe hopes to foster a brand of active advocacy that
fulfilling lives would be in danger of scaling back or closing can create long-lasting change.
altogether.
To learn more about how you can be part of these efforts, contact
Joe decided to take an active role in answering UCPLA’s call-to- UCPLA at (818) 782-2211 or at development@ucpla.org. If you
action to remind legislators of their promise to care for individuals would like to find your California State Assemblymember and
with developmental disabilities throughout the course of their Senator, you can visit http://www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators_
lives. An instructor by trade, Joe, in collaboration with UCPLA, and_districts/legislators/your_legislator.html. For the latest news
is developing a presentation to help educate family members, about the Lanterman Coalition, visit lantermancoalition.org.
A sample slide from UCPLA supporter Joe Kirby’s presentation showing discrepancies between what
Arkansas and California spend each day on caring for individuals with developmental disabilities.
INDEPENDENT
Congratulations
to the Special Children’s League of South Bay
on being named Outstanding Community Service Program of 2015
by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce!
This honor is well-deserved and UCPLA is grateful for your dedciated support.
UCPLA is pleased to congratulate our President and CEO,
Dr. Ronald S. Cohen, on being inducted as a 2015 ANCOR
Legacy Leader. This honor was presented to Dr. Cohen by
the ANCOR Foundation in Washington, D.C. to recognize his
“many years of service to the intellectual and developmental
disabilities community.”
Congratulations Ron and
thank you for your
35 years of service to UCPLA!
Fall Edition 2015
5
Highlights from UCPLA’s Auxiliaries
Almost since UCPLA’s inception, our auxiliary groups, including the Special
Children’s League and Psi Delta Sigma, Inc. have played a pivotal role in
supporting our operations through fundraising and awareness-building. UCPLA
is grateful to all of our dedicated auxiliary groups for their commitment to the
individuals and families who rely on our programs and services every day.
Last year, the SCL South Bay Committee gave UCPLA over $68,000 in
support of our programs and services. Many of the dollars were raised at
the committee’s yearly holiday luncheon and shopping experience, which will
take place this year on November 20th at the Palos Verdes Country Club. This
afternoon offers patrons the chance to purchase luxury and artisanal goods in
support of UCPLA’s programs and services To learn more, visit www.ucpla.org.
The Whittier Committee of the Special Children’s League has been just as busy, having hosted a Summer Party in June, during
which committee members took a moment to snap a photo for UCPLA’s “We Are Here” campaign to remind UCPLA’s clients and
their families that SCL Whittier is here for them. Whittier Committee members are also in the midst of planning their Bunco Night,
which will take place on Saturday, November 21 at the Easy Whittier Women’s Improvement Club. Members are also already
planning for their next Zingo fundraiser and luncheon, which will take place on March 11, 2016 at the Westridge Golf Club.
All of these fundraising activities last year enabled the SCL Whittier Committee
to present UCPLA with a check for $12,000. In addition, they made a special
$1,000 donation in honor of UCPLA’s 70th Anniversary.
The members of the SLC Foothill invited Ron Cohen to their annual lunch
to present him with a checks totaling almost $17,000 in support of UCPLA’s
programs and services. The long-standing members raised all of their funds
through their annual “Angel Letter”.
At the end of the last fiscal year, Psi Delta Sigma, Inc. presented UCPLA with over
$39,000. In addition, through their annual Coin Collection Drive with students at
Tuilita Elementary School in Redondo Beach, an additional $3,300 was raised
for wheelchairs used at UCP Wheels for Humanity’s recent wheelchair seating
clinic in Cuba. Members of Psi Delta Sigma, Inc. also took time out from their summer to participate in the “We Are Here” campaign,
sending their regards from their July meeting in Bellflower.
While the members of Psi Delta Sigma, Inc. raise funds throughout the
year, recently the Beta Mu chapter held another successful “Spirit of Giving
Luncheon and Fashion Show” on October 10. The event, held at the Los
Angeles Harbor Hotel, offered a silent auction, gourmet lunch, fashion show
and opportunity drawings in support of UCPLA.
If you are interested in joining a fun, inspirational group of women who
are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for UCPLA, the Special
Children’s League’s Foothill Committee is open to new members. For
information about how you can make a difference by becoming a member,
contact Development Manager Margarete Preusser at (818) 782-2211 x541
or mpreusser@ucpla.org.
INDEPENDENT
19th Annual UCP Golf Classic Tournament
On Monday June 1, hundreds of supporters gathered at the Wilshire Country Club to take part in the 19th Annual UCP Golf Classic
Tournament. Chaired once again by dedicated board member Dr. Alan Kessler and Mrs. Ellen Kessler, this premier tournament
included the chance to win a Mercedes from Alfano Motorcars in San Luis Obispo.
The day concluded with a reception and gourmet dinner, silent auction and a Respitality donation drive. This year’s Golf Classic
Tournament raised nearly $400,000 to support UCPLA’s 40 programs and services, including the unique RESPITALITY program,
which offers parents and families a much-needed, no-cost weekend away at one of UCPLA’s hotel sponsors while their children with
special needs are cared for in the comfort and safety of their home. We are grateful to everyone who joined us, including longtime
event sponsors The Macdonald Foundation, and Hancock Park Associates, as well as the event chairs, volunteers and employees
who made this day possible!
We hope that you will save the date and join us for the 20th Annual UCP Golf Classic Tournament on Monday June 6, 2016. To view
more photos of this year’s event, visit www.ucpla.org or www.facebook.com/ucpla.
17th Annual Devon Stern/UCPLA Golf Tournament
On Sunday, July 19, UCPLA supporters got together for a day of fun on the links to
raise funds for the Devon Stern Children’s Endowment at UCPLA. At this tournament,
held at the beautiful Camarillo Spring Golf Course, UCPLA also teamed up with longtime
corporate ally Convaid to pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), foster equal access and inclusion, and spread ADA’s message of
“Advancing Equal Access” by promoting mobility for one special family. Before golfers
took to the green, Convaid presented their new Trekker, a folding all-day wheelchair,
to eight-year-old Daron, who has a developmental disability, and his family, who are
members of UCPLA’s Westside Parent Group, which provides support and advocacy for
parents of children with special needs.
The inclusive activities continued with professional DJ Chris Benedict, who lives
independently in Santa Barbara and receives Community Living Services from UCPLA.
The day was capped off with a barbeque, opportunity drawing and a trophy presentation.
The tournament’s namesake, Devon Stern, joined her father, tournament chair and UCPLA
Board member Rick Stern, and her sister
Logan Stern, a third-generation UCPLA
Board member, to address the crowd at
dinner.
Joining the celebration of family and accessibility were many new and longtime
sponsors. Overall, golfers and supporters helped raise nearly $35,000 to help ensure
that children with developmental disabilities will always have access to high-quality,
dignified care at UCPLA.
Fall Edition 2015
7
UCPLA Gets Out & About
for Fitness and Awareness this October
This fall, we launched Out & About with UCPLA, a new virtual
event designed to raise funds and awareness for children and
adults with developmental disabilities. The event, which runs
from October 1st through 29th, challenges participants to get
healthy by taking 10,000 steps per day while working to raise
$25,000 to purchase adaptive exercise equipment that will help
individuals in our Adult Day Programs reach their own fitness
goals.
Registration for the competition launched in style on September
12 with a free health fair hosted by sponsor Serious Cycling
at their new Northridge location. The fair kicked off with five,
15-, 36-, and 60-mile road bike rides guided by the Serious
Cycling team, and gave attendees the chance to sign up for
Out & About with UCPLA. Local vendors also offered patrons
free samples, demonstrations and information about fitness and
healthy lifestyles.
Participants’ steps will take them through a virtual map of
UCPLA’s programming in five counties throughout Southern
California and around the world, enabling them to learn about
the services provided at each location and see the breadth and
depth of UCPLA’s work. This virtual journey is being punctuated
by real-life pop-up events at UCPLA programs that offer the
chance for competitors to earn extra steps.
We are grateful to all of the dedicated staff members, program
participants, families, friends and community members who are
stepping for awareness and enabling our program participants
to further their own health goals! To learn more or for ways to
support Out & About with UCPLA, visit wearehere4.ucpla.org/
OutAboutUCPLA.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us to launch Out & About with UCPLA!
INDEPENDENT
Meet our 2016 Art of Care Honorees
Zach Anner: Trailblazer Award
UCPLA is elated to be honoring author, Youtube personality and comedian Zach
Anner with this year’s Trailblazer Award, which is presented to individuals who
inspire others to transcend stereotypes and open pathways for advocacy and
awareness for people with developmental disabilities to accomplish their dreams
and live a life without limitation. With his tireless dedication to humor and positivity,
and his ongoing quest to prove that cerebral palsy is “the sexiest of all the palsies”,
Zach exemplifies this commitment to inclusion and awareness.
Zach Anner finds both inspiration and endless humor in the challenges and triumphs
that accompany living with cerebral palsy. In 2011, he won his own travel show on
the Oprah Winfrey Network, Rollin’ With Zach. He also hosted the shows Have A
Little Faith for Rainn Wilson’s media company SoulPancake and Riding Shotgun and Workout Wednesdays on his own YouTube
channel, which has over eight million hits.
Zach Anner, YouTube Personality & Author
2016 Trailblazer Award Honoree
Already an accomplished, award-winning comedian, show host, and public speaker, Zach will soon become a published author
with the release of his new memoir If at Birth You Don’t Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny. The book employs
Zach’s signature uplifting, laugh-out-loud humor to chronicle his path of “triumphant misadventures on the road to independence,
internet stardom, and romance” (www.zachanner.com). Scheduled for release March 8, 2016, If at Birth You Don’t Succeed is
available for pre-order on Amazon.com, where you can use your AmazonSmile account to give back to UCPLA while you shop!
John Lynch:Heart and Soul Award
During 2015, Chatsworth Adult Day Program Manager John Lynch will be celebrating
20 years with UCPLA, and we are pleased to recognize his decades of dedicated
service with the 2016 Heart and Soul Award. As the administrator for the Chatsworth
Adult Day Program, John works to ensure that program participants, many of whom
live on the Chatsworth residential campus where the Adult Day Program is located,
are able to partake in activities that foster growth, socialization and skill-development.
John came to UCPLA in 1995 with a background in acquatic therapy, originally
intending to be part of the water therapy program at the Chatsworth Campus. When
he began working in the adaptive therapy program at the Chatsworth Adult Day
John Lynch, Program Manager, Chatsworth ADP
Program, “I never thought I would have such passion for this type of work,” John
2016 Heart and Soul Award Honoree
says. But soon after he started working with UCPLA’s clients, “it seemed that I had
found my true calling.”
We are grateful to John for the 20 years he has spent helping clients in UCPLA’s Chatsworth Adult Day Program grow and
thrive, and we look forward to honoring him at next March’s Art of Care celebration.
Fall Edition 2015
9
2016
Lights, Camera, Action!
March 12, 2016
The Globe Theatre
Universal Studios Hollywood
Join us as we shine the spotlight on:
Zach Anner
YouTube Personality & Author
Trailblazer Award
John Lynch
Program Manager, Chatsworth ADP
Heart and Soul Award
on
Saturday, March 12, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
at
The Globe Theatre - Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
2016 Art of Care Co-Chairs JJ Levenstein
and Tamara Hatwan
Visit WeAreHere4.ucpla.org/ArtOfCare for information about custom sponsorship
packages, tickets, or volunteer opportunities, or call 818-782.2211.
INDEPENDENT
Meet UCPLA’s Newest Board Members
Brandon Mendenhall, UCPLA Board of Governors
Brandon Mendenhall (right) fell in love with music at an early age, but
was consistently told that his cerebral palsy made his dream of becoming
a rock star impossible. Brandon perservered, teaching himself to play
guitar and eventually moving to Los Angeles to found The Mendenhall
Experiment, a hard-rock band modeled around his unique playing style,
which is a direct result of his condition. Now signed to a major label
and the subject of the documentary Mind Over Matter, premiering this
year, Brandon has kept his quest for inclusion and awareness at the
heart of his career. This ongoing dedication to raising awareness for
developmental disabilities earned him UCPLA’s first-ever Trailblazer
Award, which was presented at the 2015 Art of Care celebration.
Logan Jay Stern, UCPLA Board of Governors
Logan Jay Stern (center) is a third-generation UCPLA Board member.
With her appointment, she follows in the footsteps of her father Rick
Stern (left) and her grandfather Larry, whose widow Marlene (right)
remains involved with UCPLA. For over 17 years, Logan has been
instrumental in planning and executing the Devon Stern/UCPLA Golf
Tournament, which takes place each July to raise money for the Devon
Stern Children’s Endowment at UCPLA, named for Logan’s older sister
Devon. Logan has also taken on a leadership role in establishing
UCPLA’s Junior Board of Governors. We are grateful to Logan
for continuing her family’s long history of service to UCPLA and the
individuals who rely on us!
Matt Peterson, UCPLA Board of Directors
Matt Peterson (left) is an executive recruiter, specializing
in the International Hospitality Industry, for his firm
Greger Peterson. Matt has already made an impact on
the UCPLA Board, having joined the planning committee
for the 20th Annual UCP Golf Classic Tournament. Matt
and his wife Serene welcomed their first son Graham
earlier this year.
Bryan Stockton, UCPLA Board of Directors
Bryan Stockton (right) previously served as the Chief
Executive Officer of Mattel, Inc. He currently serves as an
Advisor of the Toy Industry Association, Inc. and he recently
served on the Leadership Board of the 2015 Special
Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Mr. Stockton
also contributed greatly to the success of UCPLA’s
inaugural Art of Care by acting as a Diamond Sponsor.
Fall Edition 2015
Photos from UCPLA’s Annual Dinner
In June 2015, we welcomed our newest Board members (see opposite page) and thanked our current members for their
dedicated service at our Annual Dinner at Casa del Mar in Santa Monica. Here are some moments from the night!
UCPLA’s Board of Governors and Directors
* Denotes member of the Board of Directors
Ken Bettencourt
Susan Bittan
Stephen D. Bloomberg, M.D.
David Bryman*
Robert Cannon
Lou Cassani
Arthur Cheney, Jr.
Gary Coleman
The Honorable
Joan Comparet-Cassani
Floyd Cook
Peter Devereaux*
Francisco Durazo
Erdolo Eromo*
Ryan Eskin*
Marilyn Fetherolf
B. D. Fischer
Michael J. Fourticq, Sr.*
Michael Glowacki
Sheryl Glowacki*
Bernard Gross, D.D.S.*
Steve Gubner*
Rod Hagenbuch*
Tamara Hatwan
Charles Haughey
Daniel H. James*
Diane Jones
Daniel Jordan
Brian Kabateck
Alan Kessler, M.D.*
Ellen Kessler*
Ronald Levenson*
JJ Levenstein,
M.D., F.A.A.P.*
David Levinson*
Lee Linden
Lena Longo
Peter Longo
Dan Lykken*
Kevin P. McCarthy*
Brandon Mendenhall
M. Graham Miller
Paul Miller*
Margaret Nagle*
Nancy A. Niparko, M.D.*
Matthew Peterson*
Scott E. Powell, M.D.*
Tyler Robuck*
Derek Rogers
Janice Robinson
Richard Rosin*
Nick Roxborough*
Peter William Shapiro*
Ralph J. Shapiro*
Molly Smith*
Logan Jay Stern
Rick Stern*
Bryan Stockton*
Jory Tremblay*
Kenton Van Harten
Jere Yates, Ph.D.*
Marianne Younkheere
11
INDEPENDENT
UCP Wheels for Humanity:
Changing Lives in El Salvador
In the developing nation of El Salvador, there are approximately 465,000 individuals with disabilities who need wheelchairs but do not have access to them. In addition, many of
these individuals need physical therapy to improve mobility
and health outcomes. Yet, in a nation of 6.34 million people,
the Salvadoran health sector reported a mere 118 registered
physical therapists working in the country from 2000 through
2005, constituting a ratio of only one physical therapist for
every 5,254 people in need.
over the past two
years. The top 15
of these trainees
were chosen to
become clinical
specialists who
are responsible
for advancing the
program’s goals
by training an additional 150 physical therapists with the updated knowledge and skillsets gained through UCP Wheels’
clinics. To compliment these center-based efforts, UCP
Wheels designated its own therapist to travel to rural areas
to train community healthcare workers and caregivers in the
basics of in-home therapy.
In addition to advancing the vital work of the META program,
UCP Wheels has partnered with the US Department of State
Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs to expand access
to adaptive sports for children and youth with disabilities
through a project called Developing Potential and Expanding
Awareness (DPEA).
Each month, the DPEA project allows 30 young people to
Two years ago, UCPLA subsidiary UCP Wheels for Humanattend a three-day
ity (UCP Wheels) set out to change this reality by partnering
sleepover camp
with the US and Salvadoran governments to expand access
where they learn
to mobility equipment and essential training. In 2013, UCP
to play various
Wheels teamed up with the US Agency for International
adaptive sports
Development (USAID) to launch a project called Improved
and have the
Therapy Access Utilizing Intensive Therapy and Local Rechance to meet
sources (META). The project’s goals were to introduce inother children with
tensive physical therapy techniques to El Salvador and edu- disabilities. For many participants, these camps represent
cate individuals with disabilities and their caregivers on how the first time that campers have traveled outside of their
to access the resources available to them.
hometowns or met other children with disabilities.
At the core of META was the quest to address the fact that Despite the challenges that still remain, UCP Wheels conmuch of the education provided to clinical therapists in El tinues to expand its vital programming in El Salvador and
Salvador is antiquated—and there are virtually no opportuni- around the world. The organization recently held its annual
ties for continuing education. To address this concern, UCP Wheels in Motion gala fundraiser, which raised $230,000 to
Wheels aligned with UCLA’s Center for Cerebral Palsy to support UCP Wheels’ national and international programtrain and strengthen the rehabilitation skills of therapists and ming. For more information about UCP Wheels for Humanrehabilitation professionals throughout El Salvador.
ity, visit their website at www.ucpwfh.org or facebook.com/
Along with local partners that include the Salvadoran Ministry
of Health, UCP Wheels has trained 144 medical therapists
ucpwheelsforhumanity.
WORK, Inc.
Fall Edition 2015
UCP WORK, Inc.: Fostering Community through
Employment Opportunities
This October marks the 70th anniversary of National
Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which
was founded in 1945 to promote inclusion and celebrate
the many and varied contributions of America’s workers
with disabilities. People with developmental disabilities
make up the largest minority in the United States, yet they
are also the most untapped workforce.
This team of experts meets with job seekers to determine
whether they are prepared to seek immediate employment,
or would benefit from an External Situational Assessment,
which is designed to let jobseekers work at a variety
of businesses in an effort to identify the best working
environment with the highest potential for growth.
UCP WORK, Inc.’s Employment Services in Santa Barbara
play a vital role in helping to create these communities.
Through its Employment Services Program, UCP WORK,
Inc. increases opportunities for people with disabilities to
become active, productive members of the workforce by
providing access to skilled job developers and a team of
professionals who assess an individual’s skills, abilities and
readiness for the workplace.
self-esteem.
Once the plan for a career path has been developed, UCP
Officially opened in 1970, the same year as the passage of WORK, Inc.’s job developers assist individual job seekers
the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), UCP with the interview process, while providing ongoing job
WORK, Inc., which became a subsidiary of UCPLA in 2001, preparation training on subjects such as appropriate
was founded to assist people with significant disabilities work attire, teamwork, employer/employee relations and
to grow toward productive and satisfying lives within the appropriate work behavior, among other things.
community of their choice. Much like the founders of Through this tailored, supportive process, UCP WORK, Inc.
NDEAM, UCP WORK, Inc. believes that accessible, equal- helps its program participants find employment opportunities
opportunity employment is key to achieving fully integrated, that enable them to contribute to their communities while
inclusive communities.
working in an inclusive environment that fosters growth and
We wish a happy National Disability Employment
Awareness Month to the employees in UCP WORK, Inc.’s
Employment Services Program and to all of the many
employees with disabilities who contribute their time and
talents to improve our communities. To learn more about
UCP WORK, Inc. and the Employment Services program,
visit www.ucpworkinc.org.
13
INDEPENDENT
Art at the UCPLA Washington Reid Gallery
Travel Imagery (April 11 – May 21, 2015, Washington Reid Gallery)
Travel Imagery kicked off spring with a novel collaboration between UCPLA artists-inresidence and artists from the Exceptional Children’s Foundation. The travel-oriented
exhibit gave UCPLA resident artist Sylvia Drzewiecki a chance to expand her artistic
talents. Sylvia made her debut as a curator, choosing pieces from her artistic peers at the
Exceptional Children’s Foundation. Audiences at the exhibit opening got a special treat
as Sylvia gave an artist talk describing her artistic practice and how it relates to the show’s
theme of travel. “I can’t travel all over,” Sylvia said, “but I can, through my art, go where I
would like to go.” See the full video of Sylvia’s talk at youtube.com/UCPLA.
Animal Daydreaming Randomness (May 30 – July 3, 2015, Washington Reid Gallery)
To usher in summer, the gallery treated audiences to Animal Daydreaming Randomness,
a colorful, whimsical exhibit featuring three resident artists: Tim Son, Dale Riley and Sally
Sewell. The gallery also welcomed community artist Magda Audifred into the Project Space,
in anticipation of her upcoming artist workshop at the Washington Place Adult Day Program.
Socios (July 18 – August 25, 2015, Washington Reid Gallery)
With Socios, the gallery sought to examine the nature of artistic influence experienced by
resident artists and the direct-care staff. This exhibit paired work from four Washington Reid
Gallery artists-in-residence--Parastoo Parsa, Adam Berger, Joseph Papazian and Tom Smith-with works contributed by four direct-care staff members: Reina Lopez, Anna Clark, Armando
Rangel and Martha Rodas.
Dynamic Duo (September 12 – October 15, 2015, Washington Reid Gallery)
On Saturday, September 12, the gallery debuted its first exhibit of the fall season. Dynamic Duo
featured work from friends and artistic peers Chuck Nagle and Nicolas Canales. Chuck Nagle’s
work is influenced by holiday themes, such as Halloween and Christmas, and Nic Canales takes
inspiration from nature and travel for his colorful, whimsical pieces.
UCPLA’s Second Gallery Space Is Now Open! (Summer 2015)
UCPLA’s Thousand Oaks Adult Day Program also boasts an impressive cooperative of working artists,
and the program has recently begun displaying the artists’ work. The program’s debut exhibit launched in
summer 2015 and featured bright, nature-based acrylic works from participant Judy Naftaly in a show titled
Flowers, Birds and Friends. The current exhibit, titled The Friendship Show, features art from program
participants Carol Doyle and Linda Young.
UPCOMING:
The UCPLA Washington Reid Gallery is now accepting submissions for our fourth annual Blank Canvas community art
exhibition. The show will feature 200+ original works from UCPLA artists-in-residence as well as local artists and community
members, and will open with a special reception at the gallery in Culver City on November 7 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. UCPLA
participants, staff and supporters are encouraged to contribute pieces by the November 1 submission deadline. Supplies are
available for free at the Gallery. For more information, contact Gallery Manager Veronica de Jesus at vdejesus@ucpla.org.
Fall Edition 2015
15
In Case You Missed It
A recap of UCPLA’s most popular social media posts. Want more?
Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ucpla, subscribe to us at
YouTube.com/UCPLA, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @UCPLA.
Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt paid tribute to his cousin, longtime
UCPLA supporter and former poster child Dina Garcia, calling her an
“inspiration” and urging fans to support the Special Olympics World
Games in her honor. See more at Facebook.com/UCPLA.
We spent Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week (September
13-19) expressing our gratitude for the dedicated staff members who
care for our clients. for See more at Facebook.com/UCPLA.
Students Run LA Raises “Pennies from Heaven” for UCPLA
UCPLA is grateful to once again be the lucky recipient of Students Run LA’s
SRLA Cares Pennies from Heaven coin drive! SRLA provides a free afterschool youth mentoring program, with more than 500 volunteer teachers training
alongside more than 3,200 middle and high school students to complete the
Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon.
Through the SRLA Cares Program, SRLA enables its student athletes to give
back to their communities while they train by collecting coins for nonprofit
organizations such as UCPLA. This year’s Pennies from Heaven drive
culminated on September 26 with a 5K on Dockweiler State Beach and raised
over $3,000 to support UCPLA”s 40 programs and services. UCPLA is grateful
to SRLA’s dedicated student athletes for their conintued support!
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Upcoming Events
Saturday, November 7, 2015, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Blank Canvas Opening Reception
UCPLA Washington Reid Gallery
6110 W. Washington Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
Friday, November 20, 2015
SCL South Bay’s Annual Holiday Luncheon
Palos Verdes Country Club, Palos Verdes, CA
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Art of Care Celebration
The Globe Theatre
Universal Studios Hollywood
For a full list of calendar events, visit our website at
www.ucpla.org and click on the Calendar link.
Connect with us online!
www.ucpla.org
facebook.com/ucpla
youtube.com/ucpla
@ucpla
@ucpla